By Phil Coleman

Last updated at 13:19, Thursday, 06 December 2012

Police are investigating a number of bike thefts from locations across Cumbria in recent days.

The most recent was at the Whinlatter Forest Park, near Keswick, between midnight and 3am yesterday when five “high value” machines were stolen from Cyclewise, a firm which runs courses in mountain biking.

The bikes taken were made by Cube Hanzz.

In a separate theft, also now being investigated by police, thieves escaped with two bikes after breaking into a garden shed at the rear of Upperby Road, near to York Gardens, in Upperby, Carlisle.

That theft happened at sometime over November 22 and 23. The bikes that were stolen were a Giant mountain bike and another machine which was bright green. Also stolen were a variety of other items, which included a black and yellow toolbox, a JCB extension lead, an electric Flymo garden vac, a blue electric drill, a black cordless drill, and a Black & Decker cordless drill. The theft is being investigated by PC Catherine Richardson.

Last month, police launched an investigation after a thief or thieves stole two high-quality bikes from Hallbankgate.

Officers described the owner as a keen competitive cyclist who has regularly taken part in bike time trials contests. The bikes which disappeared were a Willer 2006 anniversary limited edition, in black, white and orange, with bright orange wheels.

A spokeswoman for Cumbria Police described it as being “one of a kind,” with a value of around £5,000.

The second bike is a Giant Reign 1 mountain bike, worth £3,200. Both were taken overnight on October 8 or 9.

Police last month issued advice to cyclists across the county as part of a drive to deter cycle theft.

Officers in Carlisle and Penrith dished out free security marking for bicycles.

Inspector Lee Grieves, a police specials officer, said: “You can significantly reduce the risk of having your bike stolen if you secure your property and take a few precautions to make it less attractive to thieves.”

He also urged people to contact the police if they think they are being offered a stolen bicycle.

First published at 12:29, Thursday, 06 December 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk